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“I’ve been very clear that when it comes to universal rights, when it comes to people’s basic freedoms, that whether you are discriminating on the basis of race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation, you are violating the basic morality that should transcend every country, and I have no patience for countries that try to treat gays or lesbians or transgender persons in ways that intimidate them or are harmful to them,” the president said.

He also pointed out that Russia is not the only country with a regressive stance toward the LGBT community.

“What’s happening in Russia is not unique,” he said. “When I traveled to Africa there were some countries that are doing a lot of good things for their people, who we’re working with and helping on development issues but in some cases have persecuted gays and lesbians — and it makes for some uncomfortable press conferences sometimes — but one of the things that I think is very important for me to speak out on is making sure that people are treated fairly and justly, because that’s what we stand for and I believe that’s not…just unique to America, but should apply everywhere.”

This sets up a opportunity to ask Republicans how they feel about laws that are ostensibly designed to restrict “gay propaganda” and defend the feelings of religious people. Some low-level conservatives have been supportive of Russia’s efforts.

Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) have been attempting to reframe the debate over LGBT rights, suggesting that after same-sex marriage becomes legal the next step would be to ban anti-gay commentary, as if racist commentary was suddenly banned after the civil rights movement.

If Cruz and Rubio want to defend the right to offend other people, they could make a strong statement by defending the rights of gays and lesbians in Russia.

If they support Russia, they’re hypocrites w.r.t. their claims of “laws banning uncomfortable speech are bad”. And siding with a dictator like Putin will raise some eyebrows. If they stand with the LGBT community, it betrays their talk about the LGBT situation here.

Then again, they have no problems claiming “gays should not be allowed to tell us what to do” and “we should not be stopped from telling gays what to do” at the same time here.

But this is their one-time chance to say “I rather side with Russia then with my own President”. Tea Party material, but will put off many independents.

When the Russians start committing genocide against a particular group of people then perhaps it would be time for the U.S. to intervene. The U.S. does not have the resources to interfere in every country around the world who are discriminating against a minority population. I would submit that the atrocities taking place in the Sudan would be more worthy of U.S. involvement then Russia’s anti-gay laws. Plus, I am guessing that they are much less onerous than say, Saudi Arabia’s anti-gay laws.

Although I decry anyone’s rights begin violated I question why the U.S. spends diplomatic capital that could be better spent elsewhere.

Besides I don’t think the “why are you against … and not against …” talking point is saving a single life. It only empowers those who prefer to do nothing and placate their conscience with “hey, they don’t help those poor red-headed Christians in Rajukistan, either!”.

You’re right, my example isn’t saving a single life. I do not believe the U.S. has the resources nor the will power to save every single life in the world and protect any and all from discrimination. We should conserve our energy and intervene only when there is a really good reason to do so.

Oh, but your wrong tdm.. The U.S. (gubment) does have the resources AND the will power to save every single life in the world so long as they don’t have to concern themselves with the citizens of this country.. Been getting away with it up to now, don’t see where anything has changed concerning their lack of responsibilities toward us Americans.

Russia is a country that doesn’t allow its citizens to have the last word. The USA is the reverse since they are scared of all the lawsuits that can come their way by illegals and the other group I refuse to mention.